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Princeton

Princeton

Located in Mille Lacs County

$377,981 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
26 Homes For Sale

Princeton is a growing commuter hub on the Rum River

Split by the scenic Rum River, Princeton is a growing town of about 5,400 residents. Although the community got its start as a hub for agriculture and lumber, Princeton has adapted to accommodate commuters looking for a laid-back lifestyle within reach of the metro area. “We’re close enough to the Twin Cities, yet we still have maintained what I would call a small-town charm,” says Princeton City Administrator Michele McPherson. Many residents connect through volunteering with nonprofits, houses of worship and community groups. “Between the philanthropic attitude and the people power through all of the civic organizations, I think all that builds connections and support for new residents,” McPherson says. Mayor Jack Edmonds, a lifelong resident, says he’s seen Princeton change over the years. “We’re a growing community,” he says. “People can live out here and commute to the metro, and a lot of our residents do. We’re trying not to leave that small-town atmosphere behind.”

Newly constructed Craftsman builds are an easy find in Princeton.
Newly constructed Craftsman builds are an easy find in Princeton.
Given its location in Minnesota, Princeton tends to have cold winters.
Given its location in Minnesota, Princeton tends to have cold winters.
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Home prices typically range from $200,000 to $400,000

Housing styles in Princeton range from early 20th-century farmhouses and Craftsman-style homes to midcentury cottages and ranch-style homes. Split-levels and new traditional builds began popping up on the market in the 1980s, and new construction continues today in subdivisions around town. Sidewalks line most residential streets, and homes tend to sit on roomy lots, even in the center of town. Fixer-uppers and smaller homes sell for $150,000 to $250,000, but most single-family homes go for $200,000 to $400,000. Townhouses sell for $200,000 to $350,000.

Princeton may be a good choice for buyers who value tightly knit communities.
Princeton may be a good choice for buyers who value tightly knit communities.
Princeton features a wide variety of two-story homes.
Princeton features a wide variety of two-story homes.
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Kayaking, camping and fishing on the Rum River

The Rum River flows from Mille Lacs Lake and winds along the western edge of town. “It’s this scenic, wild river system and the main branch is deep enough for kayaking and canoeing. A lot of people take advantage of it,” McPherson says. Riverside Park takes full advantage of the waterway with campsites, a boat launch and fishing access. Mark Park, located downtown, is a favorite among families for its playground, splash pad, sports courts and ball fields. Snowmobiling and skiing are popular in the winter, but residents can ice skate year-round at the Princeton Ice Arena. Spring is the best time for wildlife spotting at Kunkel Wildlife Management Area, which is also a popular hunting ground for deer, bear, waterfowl and other game.

Riverside Park is an inviting place for the community.
Riverside Park is an inviting place for the community.
Riverside Park is a fantastic spot for fishing.
Riverside Park is a fantastic spot for fishing.
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Career academies at Princeton High School

Princeton Public Schools serve the area and receive an overall B-minus grade from Niche. The district offers a Spanish immersion program with the option to start in Kindergarten or first grade. Princeton High School, rated B-minus, offers six career academies, where students can graduate with industry credentials and college credit.

Princeton Middle School provides comprehensive middle school education where students transition from elementary to high school with academic and social support during adolescent years.
Princeton Middle School provides comprehensive middle school education where students transition from elementary to high school with academic and social support during adolescent years.
Princeton High School offers a wide range of academics athletics and arts providing a balanced education that fosters creativity critical thinking and personal growth.
Princeton High School offers a wide range of academics athletics and arts providing a balanced education that fosters creativity critical thinking and personal growth.
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Less than 60 miles to the Twin Cities

State Route 95 and U.S. Route 169 intersect in town, putting residents in a prime position to commute to nearby cities like St. Cloud, 30 miles west, and Cambridge, 20 miles east. Princeton is about 50 miles north of Minneapolis and roughly 60 miles from St. Paul and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center offers emergency medical care in town.

Princeton is a regional shopping and dining destination

“Princeton still has a traditional downtown, but we’re a regional draw when it comes to retail and services because we have Walmart, we have banks, we have the hospital,” McPherson says. The town has fast-food restaurants, including a recently opened Culver’s, but residents support local sit-down spots like Merlin’s Family Restaurant, a Princeton institution for breakfast and lunch. “We have a huge philanthropic attitude from our businesses. We have a local nonprofit, Twice New Clothing and Treasures, and they run a retail store entirely on volunteers,” McPherson says. “They funnel close to $80,000 back into the community from donations that they sell.” The community has a weekly farmers market from May through October downtown, which continues monthly indoors from November through April.

Neighbors is a reliable favorite for Princeton locals.
Neighbors is a reliable favorite for Princeton locals.
The area near 1st St and Rum River Drive tends to be a hot spot for local businesses.
The area near 1st St and Rum River Drive tends to be a hot spot for local businesses.
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Rum River Festival draws thousands to Princeton

One of Princeton’s biggest events is the Rum River Festival. “It’s a four-day event in June of every year that celebrates the community. We had close to 75,000 people come through town over the four days [in 2025],” McPherson says. During the winter, locals head to the fairgrounds for Light Up Princeton, which features a mini parade and a drive-thru light display. “It’s staffed by non-profits and local groups that then collect donations on behalf of a group or cause that’s near and dear to them,” Mayor Edmonds says. “It’s a way to fundraise in the wintertime when it’s really hard to otherwise.” The city also hosts the annual Millie Lacs County Fair every August.

Leslie Klosterman
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Joan Wall
Photography Contributed By
Joan Wall
Conar McDaniel
Video By
Conar McDaniel

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Matthew McLaren, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,896
Number of Homes for Sale
26
Median Year Built
2006
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,552
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,699
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
24,829

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 2
    Open Sat 11AM - 2PM

    312 7th Ave S, Princeton, MN 55371

    $459,900

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,751 Sq Ft
    • 312 7th Ave S

    Queen Anne Victorian | Circa 1906 | Offered For SaleStep back 120 years into one of Princeton’s most beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorians — where architectural heritage and modern comfort coexist seamlessly.Originally built in 1906 and meticulously renovated with deep respect for its craftsmanship, this remarkable 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers over 2,751-Total Finish Square

    Agent Photo
    Zane Petersen
    Coldwell Banker Realty
    (763) 247-2807
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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    1009 Fairway Dr, Princeton, MN 55371

    $329,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,334 Sq Ft
    • 1009 Fairway Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    Welcome to this beautiful one level townhome! You will note the large entry area, closet and wide-open feel. The main living area is an open concept with vaulted ceilings throughout. Fresh paint, neutral carpet, and beautiful hardwood floors in the kitchen and dining area, are just a few of the amenities. An 8' patio door with built-in grids lead to a patio overlooking a pond. This is one of the

    Carol Gordon RE/MAX Results

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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    Open Sun 1PM - 4PM

    33120 Xenon Dr NW, Princeton, MN 55371

    $849,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,814 Sq Ft
    • 33120 Xenon Dr NW
    • New 8 days ago

    Escape to this beautiful and magical home in Princeton MN located on Green Lake. A peaceful, gorgeous spot on the lake where years of fun and memories can be created. Step into this Meticulous, Well Cared for , Grand 3 bedroom 3 bath to enjoy year round activities or make it your weekend retreat. As you enter the front door, you will be amazed at the wall of windows facing the lake. An open

    Pamela Joel RE/MAX Results

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Princeton Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,192
Median Age
40
Population under 18
24.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,447
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$68,492

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.8%
College Graduates
12.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
4°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
28''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Princeton
Matthew McLaren
Master Key Real Estate Co
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